Tammy Stanton, carving the way for women in construction

Tammy Stanton, carving the way for women in construction

Co-director of Platinum Electrical Morningside, Tammy Stanton was recently awarded the Construction Skills Queensland’s Construction Female of the Year. Ms Stanton who is the first female ever elected to the Electrical And Communications Association of Queensland chats about some of her inspirations and challenges in her career.

What made you make the change from IT to the electrical industry?

It was primarily for my family. My husband’s business was growing and our children needed more support. I feel the move to the electrical industry has given me the opportunity to support everyone in my family and keep my sanity.

What about your business are you the most passionate about?

Everything! But would have to say most importantly – our team. We have such an awesome team that I am so proud of. Everyone makes decisions like it’s their business and I feel very fortunate to have their support.

What was the most important thing you learned in school?

How to write an essay and get it in on time. I think it has helped me throughout my career and particularly now when completing tenders.

Tell me about someone who has influenced your career?

It would have to be my husband. He has always been supportive in everything I have done and I would not have been able to accomplish all I have without him. He had to take a lot of the burden of the kids when I was completing my MBA and in meeting with Master Electricians. He also wholeheartedly accepted any changes to the business that I implemented as a result of my study. He is also the one that encouraged me to do my Cert III in telecommunications and I will be forever grateful to him.

What do you think will change about the electrical industry over the next five years?

I think the next 5 years will see a rapid change in renewable energy technologies (battery storage) that will change training needs in the future. I think both the current decline in apprenticeship numbers and the changing technologies will be the major drivers for change in electrical apprenticeships in the next 5 years.

What is the single best piece of advice you would give to an electrical apprentice?

Keep a diary of everything you do.

Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.

I worked in London during the merger of SmithKline Beecham to Glaxowelcome and managed the project of communications between the 2 organisations before the merger to GlaxoSmithKline. This project was an integral part to the success of the merger and also was my very first project management experience. I consider it one of the most significant as I not only learnt a lot but gained that self-confidence in my abilities that has seen me into the future.

The best book you ever read was?

Dealing with the tough stuff by Alison Hill. Quick and easy read that made so much sense to me!!

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I have ranidaphobia – fear of frogs!!

What is one goal — either personal or professional — that you would like to accomplish during your lifetime?